When it comes to bulbs, we don’t always meet with consistent success. And, before you blame the chipmunks, the guy who mows the grass or the bulb company for their lack-luster performance, consider some of the other factors that influence how well flowering bulbs flower.

Sunlight, crowded bulbs, pre-mature removal of foliage the previous season, or a winter rest period that wasn’t cold enough or long enough may play a role in poor performance.

The life cycle of a bulb is different than other herbaceous perennials.

Conservation Farm Bill programs are in effect, and there are programs that could be of benefit to producers in Shelby County.

The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service in Kentucky is encouraging landowners, farmers and producers to visit their local NRCS office now to receive more information and apply for conservation technical assistance and possible financial funding opportunities.

As the vegetable garden winds to an end, I turn my harvest chores to the figs, persimmons and Chinese chestnuts.

Our nut grove is now a sheep pasture, which is prefect for them because they have pasture and shade from all sorts of nut trees. As it turns out, it looks like my ewes and I share a favorite in the Chinese chestnut.

After they eat their daily grain ration, they snack on chestnuts that have fallen to the ground.

Deadline for Phase I of the Shelby County Community Agriculture Investment Program is next Friday. That’s when agricultural producers in the county must submit applications for grants through the Shelby County Extension Office.